Gather every available force.
This would ease the pressure of the attack and reduce casualties.
That was why Maud had made a special trip to Fish-Man Island.
What he had his eye on was the Fish-Man Race's exceptionally strong underwater combat ability.
Because of Impel Down's deep-sea construction and its special location in the Calm Belt...
Maud wanted every Fish-Man Race warrior they had, no matter how many there were.
Even cannon fodder would do.
After sending Hachi to gather the Sun Pirates' crew, Maud went straight to the palace.
Before long, Maud arrived at the palace.
Neptune, the king of the Ryugu Kingdom, personally came out to welcome him.
This self-deprecating gesture provoked the displeasure of a small group of civil officials.
Of course, their dissatisfaction was mainly directed at Maud, not Neptune.
However, constrained by Maud's strength and reputation, those pedantic officials bound by outdated views did not dare show their displeasure.
As for the soldiers of the Ryugu Kingdom, they were much more straightforward. All of them gazed at Maud as he entered the palace with awe in their eyes.
Judging by military strength alone, Maud could wipe out the entire army of the Ryugu Kingdom by himself.
That overwhelming gap in strength was the fundamental reason the palace soldiers revered Maud.
"Mr. Maud, this way, please."
Neptune greeted him with a smile and led the way.
Maud followed closely behind Neptune.
He seemed somewhat unaccustomed to Neptune's enthusiasm.
In fact.
Ever since Neptune had hung the Maud Pirates' flag on Fish-Man Island, the island had enjoyed peace once more over the past few months.
Every pirate who came to Fish-Man Island from the Sabaody Archipelago behaved themselves. They did not even dare expose their weapons while strolling through the streets, let alone cause trouble.
The peaceful